# NTSB ANC97LA142: Maule ML-4-220C, N2048U, Aniak, AK, September 4, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 3, 1997, 21:00 local (Sep 4, 1997, 05:00 UTC) - Place: Aniak, AK - Coordinates: 61.199764, -158.599014 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.1998&lon=-158.5990&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 6, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 3063 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC97LA142 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3063/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA142 ## Probable cause The inadvertent swerve during landing on calm water. A factor was the pilot's lack of certification in single engine seaplanes. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll - water loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause) - lack of certification, pilot in command (contributing factor) - landing gear,float assembly - collapsed ## Analysis The pilot stated that after landing on a calm lake, with speed still on, the seaplane skipped sideways. The right float strut collapsed, the right float partially separated, but the seaplane remained upright. Inspection revealed that the propeller struck the right float, the right wing contacted the water, and the fuselage was damaged. The reason for the initial float separation was not determined. The pilot did not hold a seaplane rating, but stated he had 50 hours of seaplane experience. The passenger was not a pilot. ## Factual narrative On September 3, 1997, about 2100 Alaska daylight time, a Maule ML-4-220C float equipped airplane, N2048U, sustained substantial damage during landing on Kiokluk Mountain Lake, 42 miles southeast of Aniak, Alaska. The commercial certificated pilot, and one passenger were uninjured. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, as a personal flight to hunt. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was filed with the pilot's wife. During a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator on September 4, 1997, immediately after rescue, the pilot stated that during landing, with the airplane still moving, the airplane "skipped sideways, but remained upright." The right float attachment separated. The right wing subsequently contacted the water, and the propeller contacted the floats A review of FAA pilot certification records revealed that the pilot did not hold a seaplane rating on his pilot certificate. The pilot stated to the NTSB investigator on September 4, 1997, that he had accumulated approximately fifty hours of flight time in float planes. During this same interview, the pilot related that the passenger was a nonpilot relative. The pilot did not return the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot-Operator Report to the investigator as requested. Examination of the airplane by an FAA airworthiness inspector confirmed substantial damage to the right wing, fuselage, and floats. The reason for the initial float separation was not determined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2048U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2048U-2012-10-16), registration cancelled 2012-10-16, S/N 2042C, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Maule ML-4-220C - Registry model: [Maule M-4-220C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-4-220c) (registry code 5460114) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Franklin 6V 350 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v-350-series) (registry code 27043, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2042C - Engines: Franklin 6V-350 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Gary Rients - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: Z16, WASILLA, AK - Destination: KIOKLUK MTN LAK, AK - Flight plan: Company VFR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 5,000 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 40 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19970903039639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970903039639A), Sep 3, 1997: Maule M4220C, Aniak, AK, Substantial damage. Right float seperated landing at remote lake. Damaged floats right wing also. ## Other investigations on N2048U (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB ANC79FAG11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC79FAG11), Oct 13, 1978: Maule M-4 (N2048U), Palmer, AK, substantial damage From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.